Toyota Etios and Camry hybrid versions for India in the making

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is weighing the possibility of launching new hybrid cars for India. They have already launched Prius, they are now looking towards offering Camry hybrid and Etios hybrid, if the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 comes into force.

Toyota’s global sales saw 14% contribution from hybrid cars in 2012. This number is set to increase every year. In order to prepare for the future, Toyota is doing a feasibility study currently in emerging markets like India, where demand for hybrid cars is still at a very nascent stage, reports Economic Times.

Speaking about hybrid variants of Etios compact sedan and Camry, these vehicles will have two power sources either in the form or a petrol or diesel engine while the second source will be from a potent battery. Apart from offering these in India, the company also plans to produce the same locally, so as keep the¬†pricing aggressive.

Currently,¬†Prius is sold by Toyota Kirloskar as a CBU which entails customs duty way above 100% of its cost. This has caused prices to be in the INR 28 lakh range and hence sales are at just 170 units ever since the vehicle was launched in January 2010. Offering low cost hybrid cars, which are low on carbon emission and high on mileage, will might increase the number of people buying hybrid vehicles in India.